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I just received a set of Flames from Hands.
Really nice effect if your hands are big, otherwise pass on this one.
I'm lucky to have big hands, but my heads too big for that cheapo version of Head Twisting Illusion Box....oh, it works, I just needed to grease the inside with lard. Tight squeeze.

I remember the Pasquale routine with the candles, that was hysterical.

In fact, come to think of it, we always laugh when someone's hands are on fire !!

I had a friend who had a set of flames from hands- his hands weren't really big enough for them- It did get better as he worked on his routine though- smooth and swift movements are the way forwards.

The best I've seen this trick done was using no props- the guy sprayed something like an aerosol on his hands and lit it- it looked great as it was actually burning from his hand (only one hand) - but I wouldn't advise anyone to try this at home- he did admit to having burnt himself a few times...

Did the burning hands thing with some liquid stuff once - forget what sort, and it was under experienced guidance... but I was hairy-handed and he wasn't.... the smell of singed hair is NOT nice...

Didn't get burned - but the smell hung around for AGES...

Wolflock does a close-up effect with the gimmick that's quite effective. Before I saw it I had written the gimmick off for stage use only. I have a set but after a bit of experimentation going wrong and setting my carpet alight I decided to leave it out of my show.
Wolflock hasn't got the biggest of hands - but 'll leave him to comment on the effect..

Thanks Gavin.

That is coorect. I have small hands. It just depends on how you present it.
I have 2 little routines that I normally perfom with it.

1. Telling everyone how a magician always has a lot of weird thing in his pockets (while pulling cards, coins, silks, elastics, ropes, canes [appearing cane], etc. out of pocket) All of a sudden pull this flame out of your pocket. Get quite a shock and mumble something about, how the hell do these things get there. Shrug, light a cigarette (or a candle or something) and put the flame back into your pocket. Small idea but effective.

2. When lighting a cigarette for some cigarette magic (if you do it), have a lighter with no flint or gas. Each time you try to light the lighter. your hand bursts into flames. Have a shocked look on your face, light the cigarette and flame disappears into pocket.

They both work for me with close up or table hopping.

Regards
Wolflock

It seems to me that a Magician's hands are just about the most essential items for performing magic, especially close up stuff. So why anyone would risk burns etc by having flames directly on the skin is something I can't understand. If there are gimmicks available then for safety's sake why not use them - or do something else like embroidery?

Just a thought.

Agreed - and the Fickle fire (fire from palms) gimmick - does that well - small hands or not.

I agree. The Fickle Fire is what I have and it is quite safe. (Well as far as I am concerened - Not much feeling in hands due to Escapology)

The stuff you can use it for are unlimited.